# Surreal Skate Ground Photography The Fascinating Ben Matthews 'Skate Park After Dark' Series By Joanne Lam | Published 2010-08-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ben-matthews References: [blog.urbanoutfitters](http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/skate_park_after_dark) & [skateboardingmagazine](http://skateboardingmagazine.com/blog/2010/08/02/surreal-skate-park-after-dark/) Ben Matthews takes his 'Skate Park After Dark' photo series to new heights as he presents a surreal and fanatical perspective of skate grounds in his works. Using prolonged exposure in each individual print, Ben Matthews manages to transform a regular [skate ramp](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rampitecture) into a fantasy-like playground. With bright, colorful swirls and intricate outlined details, this Ben Matthews series is undoubtedly worth a look. **Implications** - Despite the rapid advancement of image retouching programs such as Photoshop, photographers are increasingly playing with analog forms of photo manipulation such as specialty lenses and prolonged exposure. With its vibrant swirls and [surreal perspective](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1), this photo set takes [skate photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polaroid-x-thrasher) to new artistic heights. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Analog Photo Manipulation:** As photographers move towards analog photography, there is an opportunity for companies that supply specialty lenses and other analog photo manipulation tools to innovate. - **Surreal Imagery:** The success of this series presents an opportunity for artists and designers to explore surreal imagery and incorporate it into their work. - **Prolonged Exposure Photography:** As more photographers experiment with prolonged exposure, there is potential for companies to innovate with new technology and tools, such as software and hardware that helps photographers capture unique and striking images. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** This trend presents an opportunity for photography equipment manufacturers to develop new tools and technology for photographers to create surreal and unique works. - **Art and Design:** As surreal imagery becomes more popular, there is an opportunity for companies in the art and design industry to use this trend in their products and services. - **Skateboarding:** The popularity of this series presents an opportunity for skateboarding companies to collaborate with artists and photographers to create unique and innovative skateparks and skateboarding merchandise. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Elevated Urban Skate Venues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aan-architects.md) - [Psychedelic Skateboard Decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-psychedelia.md) - [Nature-Inspired Rooftop Skateparks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qingdao-mixc-rooftop-skatepark.md) - [Mixed-Reality Skateboarding Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skatrix-pro.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Paper Curvature Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-curves.md) - [Skateboarding-Inspired Wood Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-green-works.md) - [Skateable Pyramid Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playlab.md) - [Skateboarding Heritage Collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/united-through-skateboarding.md)